Trimming device



" V. ROSS TRIMMIG DEVICE Filed June 9,y 1924 H E i, mv.

Tarn/Ea IIJ!" Patented Apr. 6, 1926.

UNITED STATES VICTR ROSS, 0F BOTHELL, WASHINGTON.

TRIMMIN G DEVICE.

Application filed June 9, 1924. Serial No. 718,701.y

T0 all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, VIC/ron Ross, a citizen of t-he United States, residing at Bothell, in the county of King and State of TV ashington, have invented-new and useful Improvements in. Trimming Devices, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a novel and useful device for trimming bush-es, grape vines, trees, shrubbery, etc., and resides in the provision of a simply constructed one man machine which may be conveniently attached to and supported b v the user or operator and manipulated with little or no etfort -to effectively trim or eut tree, shrubbery, etc. the machine being especially useful'togardeners and farmers.

An object of the invention is to provide an extensible frame for supporting a revolving cutter and cutter operating mechanism, said frame being of a length andl so constructed thatwhen attached to the operator,

lmay `be swung or moved into position to permit of use of the cutter without requiring that the operator stoop and otherwise assume uncomfortable or tiring positions.

A further object is to provide a device of the character described which is comparatively inexpensive, reliable in operation and so constructed and arranged as to permit of a more rapid, effective, comfortable,

easier and thorough trimming or pruning operation at a. -greater saving in tim-e and labor than is possible under the ordinary pruning or trimming operations.

With the above mentioned and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction and combination of parts hereinafter described, illustrated in the aeeompanying drawings, and set forth in the claims hereto appended, it being understood that various changes 1n the form, proportion, size and minor details of construction within the scope of the claims may beV resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

Referring to the drawing:

Fig. 1 represents a side elevation of the device of in v invention shown as when in use.

Fig. 2 represents a top plan view of the device.

Figure Sis a longitudinal vertical section of the cutting mechanism and t'he adjacent portion of the support therefor.

The embodiment of my invention shown in the accompanying drawing comprises an extensible support designated by the numeral 1, supporting at one end a rotary cutting mechanism 2, and at its other end operating n'iechanisn'i 3, and attaching means 4.

The support comprises a main bar or elongated .frame 5 having `a longitudinal slot (5 opening at the outer end. of the frame in which slot an extensible bar 7 is slidably mounted, there being registering holes in the bars 8 and 9 for reception of pins 10, to permit of holding the extensible bar in adjusted position. The Support preferablyhas a length of about 3 feet, and can be extended from 1% feet to 3 feet, these dimensions being subject to change as desired.

The cutter mechanism comprises a four bladed cutter 11 turning on a hub portion 12 ixedly. mounted at the outer end of the bar 7. A guard member 13 is fastened to the bar 7 in any suitable manner and supports a bearing 14 for the hub of the cutter. This guard has three radially projecting loops 15 through which the cutter blades rotate and certain edges of the loops are serrated or notched as at 16 so as -to grip and hold the leaves, twigs, branches, ete., in position to be eut by the blades.

A beveled gear 17 is attached to the center of the cutter and meshes with a similar gear 18 on an extensible shaft. 19. The shaft is journaled at one end in the hub 14 and at a point between its ends in 'a handle S30 which is carried by the main frame or bar 5. The other end of the shaft carries a beveled gear 2Q. This gea-r engages a bearing 23 on the main frame and thus holds one part of the extensible shaft against longitudinal movement. The shaft is made of telescopic splined sections as shown, and when the support is extended or adjusted, the shaft is adjusted longitudinally accordingly. A bevel gear 24. meshes with the gear 22 and is carried on a shaft 25 journaled in the bracket 21. This shaft has a wheel 26 fixed thereto and the wheel is provided with a handle 27 to provide for turning it and operating the mechanism so as to rotate the cutter.

The attaching means comprises an arcuate plate 28 having a central ball and socket to hold the plate and device yin place. As

ployed, said strap being inserted through an opening 33 in the handle 2O and adjusted to support the device in the desired position. This relieves the strain on the arms ot' the operator and provides for a comfortable and effective-Qperation of the device.

Vheh the device is fixed to the operation as shown in Fig. 1, the support with the cutter thereon nia-y be moved to various positions with the left hand while turning the operating mechanism with the right hand, whereby the cutter may be brought to the desired point vor elevation for cutting or trimming shrubs 'or other growths, depending on the use of the device. The special manner of supporting the device provides for an easy and comfortable operation thereof and permits of an e'lieetive cutting or trimming action.

I claim:

l. A trimming device comprising a support, an elongated extensible support, a

cutter mounted on the extensible portion of the support, means operable from the other end of the support 'for operating' the cutting mechanism, means for attaching the support to the body of the operator, an arcuate plate adapted to lit the body at the waist line and having eyes through which the belt of the operator may be passed and a universal joint connection between the plate and said support.

2. A trimming device comprising a support, an elongated extensible support, a cutter mounted on the extensible portion of the support, means operable from the, other end of the support for operating the cutting,- mechanism, means for attaching the support to the body of the operator. an arcuate plate adapted to lit the body at the waist line und having eyes through which the belt of the operator may be passed, a universal joint eonneetion between the plate and said support and a shoulder strap adapted to engage the support intermediate of its ends and to extend over the shoulder of the operator.

' VICTOR ROSS. 

